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So you think you could be an electrician?

456 points · 414 comments · zdw

  1. red_admiral · · focus · HN ↗
    In a logical world, computer programming would be a trade. I take the point about risk of physical injury of death, hovever.

    I think one problem is thinking of the trades as a place where you put people not (good|competent|intelligent) enough to go through college. (Some people's conception of the armed forces makes the same mistake.)

    Go a generation or two back and in the UK, we had a much clearer separation between working and middle class, for example one got paid weekly or hourly wages, the other got paid a monthly salary. The trades themselves were divided into skilled and unskilled. While it made a huge cultural difference which class you were from, a good skilled trade could easily make you more money than a clerk job. (Bob Cratchit was middle class!) An unskilled day labourer such as a stevedore might live from hand to mouth, an engine mechanic could usually afford to raise a family and afford a place to live (in a working-class area).

    1. mzhaase · · focus · HN ↗
      It is in Germany for example, same as sysadmin and IT-Electrician. They all go to trade school. Personally found it a bit useless though.
    2. Computer0 · · focus · HN ↗
      I sincerely question the intellect of those that join the military of the USA and Britain. I don’t trust these people and would not allow them in my inner circles. If they are not lacking intelligence they are lacking morality.
      1. gib444 · · focus · HN ↗
        Your morality won't save you in WW3, but the armed forces might
    3. FabCH · · focus · HN ↗
      That’s a thing in Switzerland - ITC EFZ.

      Federal Certificate of Vocational Training in Information and Communication Technology

      It’s a 4 year high-school apprenticeship and you have to work under a licensed professional during your apprenticeship during those 4 years.

      I had such apprentices on my team. It’s a good system.

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